Lionchief Plus steam locos come with realistic fan-driven smoke units while the Lionchief locos found in rtr sets use piston driven puffer style units. Considering the electronics involved, could the puff unit in a Polar Express Lionchief loco be replaced with a fan-driven one? How easy or difficult would that conversion be? Know anyone who's done it? Their observations are most welcomed.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
I have looked at the project and passed.
The puff sound is triggered by using an IR sensor on the movement of the puffer lever or piston. That would have to modified or replaced by a reed switch.
There would be no fan speed control.
There is a small fan unit that may fit, but I still passed based on the above.
The new puffer unit is improved over earlier designs. The air holes are higher up allowing more fluid to be put in to the unit. It's easy to get to, so I did one thing that produces really nice smoke now.
I cut a small piece of 1/2" oil lamp wick in a butterfly shape to sit in the bottom. I then repacked it with a Lionel wick, fluffed out and stuffed in there.
I can get at least 10 drops of Lionel premium smoke fluid in before the lamp wick is full. This acts as the reservoir. The Lionel wick draws from that and I get really nice smoke for a puffer.
So, for the time and expense involved, I get good smoke from the puffer that is synchronized with the chuff. No fluid blow-outs or mess on the pilot truck or track. I get a good long run before the grandson says "Polar smoke".
I'll second Moonman on using the Lionel Premium smoke fluid. Now others make good smoke fluid... I know, I've tried them all. But with using the Lionel Premium fluid in the basic Lionel locos with puffer types of smoke units, it puts out smoke like I have not seen with other types of fluid. It's a very noticable improvement. You might be pleased enough with that.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
